Best Machete for survival

A huge, cleaver-like knife that’s highly recognizable by its thin, long blade… used primarily to cut underbrush, grass, vines and small limbs.

When it comes to machete use, it is ideal for jungle and jungle-like terrain where you have to clear scrub or hack your way through dense vegetation; one of the biggest reasons Hollywood producers and writers use them in their terrain.  If you’re in a more temperate environment, you’re probably better off with a survival axe.  However, for people all around the world, it is a useful daily tool that easily slashes, cuts and chops through underbrush. They are also used in the cutting down of sugar cane, to break open coconuts and various other agricultural products.

Reviews of the Best Survival Machetes for 2019

 

The majority of machetes measure in length between 12 to 36 inches long, which is longer than most survival knives.  Machetes generally have a thickness of 0.1 – 0.25 inches. One of the great things is that their handle is long enough so that users just need one hand to hack at what they need to “hack” at.

Machete derives from the Spanish language – the word “macho”, meaning “male” or “strong” and is a reference to sledgehammers. “Matchet” is the not-so-well-known English-derived, which is similar to cutlass or sword.

Find out more with our guide on how to choose the best machete:

The Machete as a Survival tool

Before selecting a machete, you need to know about the different types of machetes and decide what type of machete you’re after.  Some are marketed as “survival machetes” because they have multi-function.  An example of this is the SOGFari Kukri machete which is pictured below.  These tools are great but the reality is that all machetes can be used for survival or hiking or backpacking or trekking through the jungle.

When you’re in a survival situation, a knife is helpful, but a machete can provide even more benefits. It can cut things like a knife, but can also be used to clear our weeds, tall grass, branches, and so on. If you need to get from point A to point B quickly and can allow you to clear the path you need to take.

It also reduces the fatigue you would get from trying to clear the same path by another method. It will increase the efficiency of energy used as you will clear more ground than without using it, and use the same or less energy in the process.

You can also use it to also cut down branches to create a shelter, chop wood for a fire, even use it to help gather materials for building other things, and cord. If you need to eat, it can be used to hunt game. It’s also really easy to store in a survival backpack.  The list of uses just keeps going, which is why having a this vital survival tool is important for anyone who spends time outdoors.

Another thing is that they are made to be strong and last a long time under abuse. They are easy to clean and maintain, and they are usually inexpensive. They’re great for just about any environment on earth.

Not lost in a jungle? They can also make a great weapon for defending yourself if needed.  I’ve got a page dedicated to combat machetes.  It could save your life if you are under attack from either a beast, or a man. It’s not a pretty defense method, but it works.

Although it can be an important tool to have, they also come in many different styles, below are a few things to think about before making your decision.

How will you be using it? Will you be in the woods, a defense weapon, etc.?

Will you be using a knife as well?

Are you going to use an axe?

What environment will you be in most, forest, desert, swamps, etc.?

Once you have answered these questions, you will have a better idea of what type of machete you need. Some of the popular styles available include: The Kukri, The Bolo, The Panga, and the Latin. Each one of them have their advantages, and their disadvantages based on the situation they are used in. Some may be more bulky than others, while others may offer a better chopping power.  If you want a backup to your machete, check out these survival tools.

 

2 Common Kinds Of Steels Used 

 

Commonly made from two types of material: carbon steel and stainless steel. Each type has their own positive aspects to them as well as their drawbacks.

 

Carbon Steel – This type of material, is much stronger than stainless steel.  This material ensures the sharpness of the tool is retained.  Of course, it does have a disadvantage.  Carbon steel is prone to rusting, which is why it’s higher maintenance but it’s well worth it.

Stainless Steel – When it comes to the best material, stainless steel has its pros and cons.  Stainless steel completely sucks in comparison to high carbon steel but it’s easier to maintain because it doesn’t rust.  The reason is that stainless steel is highly resistant to both water and rust due to the additives found in it.  That’s why it’s called stainless!

5 ways to help you choose

 

Now, you may be wondering what separates the good from the best. There are a number of features you need to keep your eyes peeled out for:

 

1 – Weight

 

You need to factor in the weight.  The heavier it is, the easier it is to cut the thick branches. A lighter option is better for your long hikes. However, if you’re not sure what weight you need, it’s best to go with an in-between weight.

 

2 – Sharpness

 

When it comes to blade sharpness, you certainly want a machete that stays sharp and is easy to sharpen. However, if you can’t afford a high-end model, you can purchase an inexpensive model and sharpener as well.

 

3 – Length

 

Weight is also determined by its length. Plus, the longer it is, the more you can cut with a single swing. There is a drawback. The longer the machete is, the more difficult it is to carry on you hip. And, if you’re just going hiking, this could be a serious negative aspect.

 

4 – Material

 

When it comes to a blade’s sharpness, the kind of metal that is used will determine how sharp it is. After all, some metals have a tendency to be soft and easily dull. Other metals don’t dull as easily but can rust quicker.

 

5 – Sheath

 

A sheath should always be considered, which needs to be of high-quality. Having no sheath is insanity. Be sure the sheath you choose is sturdy. If you plan on visiting a humid location, the synthetic sheath can resist moisture much better.

 

The Top 10 Best Machetes

1.  CRKT Onion Halfchance Parang Machete

This machete is well known because it was designed by Ken Onion.  You can read my review here.  The summary is that it’s a great machete.  We’re spoiled for choice because you can pick any one of half a dozen machetes and not be disappointed at all because you’ll be getting great quality and this machete falls in that category.  It’s got all the performance you’d want from a machete.  It’s forward weighted so chops like a beast. Check today’s price.  You can watch any number of youtube videos that agree with me:

2.  Condor Tools & Knives Engineer Bolo Machete

I love this bad boy and you’ll find out why when you read my full review here.  The summary is that it has great balance, is really sharp and maintains its edge exceptionally well and has phenomenal strength.  It can handle pretty much anything.  It’s heavy which is a downside for long treks but I like the weight.  I like the fact that when I’m using it, I’m just smashing through anything I need to.  It’s more like a chainsaw than a machete.  Check today’s price.

3. Ka-Bar 2-11249-9 Kukri Machete

This brand is highly popular in terms of survival. It’s large, heavy, tough and the ideal tool in chopping. In fact, it’s so good that it replaces the hatchet.

There are two reasons the Kukri is a tool for self-defense:

·         Narrow blades

·         Carbon steel metal (giving it strength)

It’s good for chopping weeds, clearing campsites and more. It comes with the Kraton G Thermoplastic Elastomer Handle, which allows the user to grip it comfortably. It’s regarded as one of the best survival machetes on the market.  Full review here of my favorite kukri. It can be purchased here.

 

 

4.  Condor Tools & Knives Heavy Duty Kukri

This kukri was made famous by Alan Kay.  He used it in Alone, season 1 and he won.

Here’s my Condor Heavy Duty Kukri review but the summary is it’s shorter than a typical kukri, only 15 inches but it’s heavier which allows for the same chopping performance as a typical kukri.  Because it’s heavier, it you’re doing a lot of chopping you will get tired easier but because it’s shorter you have greater control which makes doing the finer tasks easier, just like having a big knife.  You really can’t go wrong with this kukri, it’s excellent quality as you’d expect from Condor.  Check today’s price.

5.  Condor Tool and Knives Warlock Machete

Manufactured by Condor Tool & Knife, it has a broad top that tapers toward the handle and comes with a 12-inch blade comprised of carbon steel and has an epoxy black powder coating finish. The company dates back all the way to the 18^th century in Solingen, Germany, which has been dubbed cutlery capital of the world. Do a little research for reviews of this model, and you’re going to find that most users absolutely love it!  Full review here or it can be purchased here.

6.  Condor Tool and Knife Parang Machete

This 17.5 inch blade machete, comes with a leather sheath and makes short work of cutting through brush, small trees and vines.  It is extremely well made with a full tang blade made of 1075 high carbon steel finished with epoxy black powder coating.   It weighs about a pound.  The balance is excellent allowing you to swing easily and with a  lot of power.  The blade is thin, maintains an edge and sharpens up easily.  It’s also very durable.  It’s a mid-priced machete (check out the latest price here) that I have reviewed here.

7.  GK&CO 10″ Black Blade Full tang kukri

This kukri is hand made in Panawal Angkhola Village in Nepal.  It is an awesome specimen.  It is a high maintenance product though because it will rust.  The problem is the handle.  This kukri would be number 1 if not for the handle.  The wood was not properly treated and has shrunk on me over time causing some cracks in the handle.  The only way to fix it is to replace the handle.  That’s just not good enough.  The steel is excellent but the handle isn’t good enough considering the price.  My full review here.

 

8.  Ontario SP8 Machete

This is a multi-functional tool that can take care of many outdoor needs.  It’s a 1/4 inch thick, so thick for a machete.  The steel is high quality high carbon 1095 steel.  It’s a on the upper end of the mid price machetes.  This is one of my favorite tactical machetes.

 

9.  Schrade SCHKM1 Large Full Tang Fixed Blade Kukri Machete

For the price, this is an excellent machete.  The blade is full tang and is made of 3cr13 stainless steel and is black powder coated.  The steel offers hardness but is soft enough to take a beating. The blade is just over 13 inches long and 1/8 inch thick.

 

10.  Bear Grylls Parang Machete

Before I review anything “Bear Grylls” related I wanted to point out that I’m not against Bear at all.  Many in the survival community think that anything he puts his name to is a rubbish product.  I don’t have this bias when reviewing any Bear related products.  The reason a lot of people in the survival community don’t like him is because his survival show is basically that, a show.  It’s for entertainment and a lot of what he does is absolute pure rubbish and very dangerous if you were to try to replicate it.  It’s not “authentic” survival, it is for entertaining purposes and ratings.  HOWEVER, he does know what he’s doing and is highly skilled but informative survival shows just don’t rate as well as entertainment shows.  Just because he’s on an entertainment show doesn’t mean his products are not up to it.  Rant over, on to the review.

Gerber Gear, which was established in 1939, is the manufacturer of this tool. With years of innovation, this knife-manufacturing company has managed to extend its reach all around the world.

The blade is 13.5-inches long.  Its design is built upon the conventional jungle model, is made from carbon steel, comes sharp and has a textured rubber grip which is really comfortable and easy on the hands and it also has a full tang construction. The blade’s angle is geared toward vegetation clearing.

Many Bear Grylls Parang users love how this machete looks.  Overall it’s a really good tool for those who need a relatively cheap (it’s about half the price of the other models mentioned) machete that is capable of taking abuse.  As a survival tool, I wouldn’t put my life in it’s hands because it’s just not good enough quality for it.  It’s not really intended for that, that’s why it’s so much cheaper than other models.  It’s intended for the weekend warrior.  If you’re going backpacking or hiking or camping and need a machete this is really good option for you because it won’t break the bank but it will still perform really well.

If you’re interested in survival gear check out my survival watches page.